Reflections on the Last Night at Home: Preparing for Deployment
Before embarking on a journey that would change my life, I spent my last night at home in a bittersweet reflection. The uncertainty and anticipation of deploying for the first time were palpable, and it was a moment of introspection that I will always cherish.
Setting the Stage for Deployment
My situation was a bit unusual, given the nature of my previous unit. Before deployment, my troop was on a temporary duty assignment (TDY) for the maximum allowed time. TDY, which stands for temporary duty, involves a unit being assigned to a different location for support purposes. After undergoing evaluations similar to those conducted before a major military exercise, such as the National Training Center (NTC), we were deemed "Green" and assigned a TDY to support another mission. This TDY was treated almost like a real deployment—though in reality, it was more of a preparatory phase. We re-zeroed and qualified our weapons, brought and got vaccinated, and ensured we had all necessary gear before we left.
Transitory Living Arrangements
Before going TDY, I had already moved out of my apartment and placed my belongings in storage to save money. This meant that I essentially had no place to call home. The latter part of my TDY coincided with the news that I was being deployed. I flew back to my assigned duty station, signed my weapons back into the armory, and stayed at an Extended Stay hotel. The word 'stay' was appropriate as I didn't unpack fully; I was still living in transit.
Final Preparations and Goodbyes
During the additional TDY, I received medical checklists, more vaccinations, and malaria pills. I flew back to my duty station, which gave me a couple of weeks to see friends and family. This leave was a precious time to reconnect and say goodbye. I took my gear to storage and visited my hometown where the majority of my friends and family lived. I spent these days seeing as many friends and family as I could, some of whom I hadn't spoken to in years. These reunions were filled with laughter, hugs, and the reality that we might never see each other again.
As a farewell gesture, one friend gifted me a book that I would later read while deployed. Others offered comforting words of support and encouragement. They asked what my plans were, and I explained my deployment. However, the topic of deployment seemed to come up only as a last resort in our conversations. The sense of impending departure loomed over these interactions, making the parting moments even more poignant.
Personal Time for Reflection
My mother took me to see a new home she was considering purchasing while I was still in town. It was one of my last days in my hometown. We then visited a temple where she prays. The monks recognized me, a fact which surprised me, given it was a visit to the temple after high school. They already knew about my upcoming deployment, their knowledge likely stemming from my mother's prior communications.
To prepare for the temple's annual children's festival, my mother convinced me to stay a bit longer to help draw the poster for the event, which I had previously excelled at. The compliments on my artwork and the jokes about occupying the temple permanently highlighted how much this community valued me.
The Last Night at Home
The final night before deployment was filled with mixed emotions. I spent the evening reflecting on the life I was leaving behind and wondering if I'd return. The comfort of my hometown and the company of close friends dimmed the light of the future looming in Afghanistan. As I went to sleep that night, I knew that even the most vivid memories of this last night at home would be etched into my heart.
Deployment brings a unique set of challenges and emotions. It requires not only physical preparedness but also emotional strength to face the unknown. For me, the last night at home was both a bittersweet farewell to the life I knew and a final embrace of all the support and love that would sustain me during my journey.